Reasons for lack of opposition to the Reformation

why was fear a reason for lack of opposition

Cromwell masterminded enforcement that terrified many. Obedience & acceptance of the reformation may not signal approval of Protestantism & more likely showed respect for the power & prestige of the Crown.

many anticipated that…

the changes would not last

Many expected H8 to…

remain Catholic

lack of opposition was motivated by…

self-interest

how were people motivated by self-interest

Many clergy went along with the Reformation because it offered them better career prospects. Many lay people gained substantially through the purchase of land & goods following the dissolution of the monasteries.

lack of opposition was motivated by concern…

for self

how was concern for a self a reason

Some put their own welfare & career before their beliefs. For example, the Vicar of Bray was accused of repeatedly changing sides to remain vicar

some people welcomed…

protestantism

many did not notice…

the changes

who welcomed Protestantism

Some people wanted a religious reformation, both at court (Cromwell, Anne Boleyn, Cranmer) & at a local level.

why did people not notice the changes

Many of the fundamental aspects of ordinary people’s religious lives stayed the same in the 1530s; they still went to the same church on Sunday & participated in the same Mass that they had always known.

there was a lack of opposition because the end…

result was far from clear

why was the end result far from clear

It was far from obvious in the 1530s that the changes would produce Protestantism. There was no preconceived reformation agenda & no sudden breakthrough, it was a peicemental process that spanned 30 years & so failed to stipulate mass opposition.